New York Jets Rumors: Matt Schaub, Kirk Cousins options?
Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Redskins 20-6. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t think any quarterback has fallen harder in just one year than Houston Texans veteran signal-caller Matt Schaub, who never had issues with interceptions before throwing an unsightly 14 of them in just 358 attempts this past season. He seemed to crumble mentally, throwing gruesome pick sixes and looking like the opposite of what we’ve come to know him. Schaub has normally been one of the most poised quarterbacks in the NFL, but his accuracy turned into picks and his confidence turned into a mental implosion that we just don’t see often.
It’s why I think Schaub is a prime for a bounce-back year, especially if he is able to have a change in scenery. I would be surprised if new head coach Bill O’Brien decided to stick with Schaub, since he has the opportunity to hand-pick his own potential franchise QB with the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. I wouldn’t rule out the Texans keeping Schaub, but I think it’s safe to say that the chances are extremely slim, even if I’m high on Schaub’s ability to be a solid starting quarterback again.
ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini believes that the New York Jets could check on Schaub this offseason, but it sounds like any potential deal for the 32-year-old Virginia product would have to be affordable in order for the team to sign him. It looks like the Jets are locked in with last year’s second-round pick Geno Smith as the starter, as he flashed enough despite interceptions to make the team feel that he could be “the guy” at QB. Smith still has a ways to go, but there’s little doubt that he has the potential.
Still, the Jets would be wise to bring in a solid veteran this offseason as a capable backup for Geno, who is still very much a wild card. Michael Vick has already been linked to the Jets earlier, but Schaub could also be an attractive option for John Idzik if his price tag checks out.
Cimini also mentioned Kirk Cousins as a potential trade target for the Jets, but I don’t think this move is as likely. Cousins simply doesn’t have a track record in this league, and his resume isn’t even as good as Smith’s. There wouldn’t be a point in trading valuable picks to the Washington Redskins for Cousins, who is a massive wild card at this point. The Jets are much better off going for a veteran with a track record like Schaub or Vick, since all they are looking for is a good plan B to Smith.
The move isn’t the problem, but the timing is more than just alarming.